Today, the Acropolis in Greece closed its doors to tourists amidst a scorching heatwave with temperatures reaching 43 degrees Celsius. Local media reported cases of tourists fainting while waiting in line to enter the site, prompting authorities to take action to ensure visitors’ safety. Greece is currently struggling with a heatwave driven by southerly winds bringing hot air and dust from North Africa, with temperatures reaching 39 degrees Celsius at the Acropolis. Drones are being used to monitor temperatures across Athens, and public health responses are being planned to address the extreme weather conditions. Last year, Greece experienced deadly wildfires and flooding due to rising temperatures, impacting crops and livelihoods.
Efforts have been made in recent years to control overcrowding at the Acropolis, Greece’s most popular tourist attraction. In 2023, authorities introduced a daily visitor cap of 20,000 and staggered entry times to manage the high number of tourists visiting the ancient site. The closure of the Acropolis due to the heatwave highlights the challenges of managing overtourism in cultural heritage sites. While the closure may inconvenience some visitors, it is necessary to ensure the well-being of tourists and prevent incidents such as fainting due to extreme heat.
Despite the closure of the Acropolis, there have been no reports of flight delays or cancellations in Greece due to the hot weather. However, authorities in Athens have taken precautions to address the extreme temperatures, including closing schools in certain areas with the highest temperatures and halting garbage collection for several hours. Air-conditioned spaces have been opened to the public to provide relief from the heat. Travelers are advised to take precautions when visiting Greece during the heatwave, especially vulnerable populations such as babies, children, and older adults. Recommendations include staying out of the sun during the hottest hours, covering up when outdoors, and staying hydrated.
The heatwave in Greece comes at a time when Europe is facing increasing challenges from climate change. Rising temperatures have exacerbated events such as wildfires and flooding in Greece, leading to significant damage to the environment and people’s livelihoods. As a country heavily impacted by climate change, Greece is taking measures to monitor and respond to extreme weather events such as heatwaves. The closure of the Acropolis due to the heatwave serves as a reminder of the need for sustainable tourism practices and adaptation strategies to safeguard cultural heritage sites and ensure the safety of visitors.
The Acropolis closure is part of a broader response to the heatwave in Greece, with authorities taking steps to protect residents and visitors from the extreme temperatures. The closure of schools and suspension of garbage collection in certain areas highlight the impacts of the heatwave on daily life in Greece. While the closure of the Acropolis may disrupt some tourists’ plans, it is a necessary measure to prevent heat-related incidents and prioritize public health and safety. As one of the most climate-impacted countries in Europe, Greece is facing the challenges of extreme weather events and their repercussions on society and the environment. Collaborative efforts are needed to address these challenges and build resilience to climate change impacts in Greece and beyond.